Opener Marcus Harris joins Victoria

Opening batsman Marcus Harris has moved from Western Australia to Victoria and is part of a squad of 31 players named by the Bushrangers for the 2016-17 season. The hefty numbers include five Cricket Australia-contracted players and six rookies, one of whom is the left-arm fast bowler Tom O'Donnell, the son of former Australia allrounder Simon O'Donnell.

Jackson Coleman, 24, is back in the squad having held a rookie contract in 2009-10, before he left cricket to pursue a career as an Australian rules footballer. Victoria chairman of selectors Andrew Lynch said it was pleasing to see Coleman back in the squad.

"Jackson had obvious talent through the youth program for Victoria," Lynch said. "He was part of the successful Australian Under-19 World Cup squad in 2010 and has performed well last season in both Futures and Premier cricket. As an impressive left-arm quick, towering well over 6ft, he has his best cricket in front of him."

Harris, 23, has already played 42 first-class games and scored four centuries, but managed only six Sheffield Shield appearances for the Warriors in 2015-16 for 274 runs at 27.40. He made his first-class debut at the age of 18, back in 2010-11, and will join a Victoria outfit that next summer will be the reigning champions in the Sheffield Shield.

"Harris is a young player who has proven himself at first-class level," Lynch said. "We are looking forward to Marcus joining our group of talented young batsmen."